Edmond Urban Forest Studies

About

Periodically, the City of Edmond has conducted scientific assessments of its urban forest and natural environment. These studies contribute to effective tree resource management and planning, which leads to a healthier community and natural environment. Studies are listed below.

Sensitive Areas Study (2003-2004)

The City of Edmond is located on the edge of the Cross Timbers Forest, the post oak and blackjack oak woodlands that form the western frontier of deciduous forest in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. The Cross Timbers are drought-stressed woodlands, populated by low-stature, slow-growing trees. While this forest may not look old, undisturbed areas may contain trees that predate not only Oklahoma statehood, but also the birth of the United States.

This native landscape is of great historic and cultural importance to the City of Edmond. In 2003 and 2004, the Edmond Sensitive Areas Project was facilitated through an Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Grant from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry. This project was comprised of a study that identified areas of biological significance, including areas that may have been forested since before Oklahoma statehood and areas that are significant from a soil, wildlife, or archaeological standpoint.

Study Documents

Potential Remnant Forest Map

Urban Tree Canopy Report

Utilizing cutting edge software, Urban Forestry staff assessed the
urban tree canopy in Edmond by various land uses in 2012. Urban tree
canopy is a measure which, when viewed from above, refers to the amount
of tree leaves, limbs and stems that shelter the ground, buildings, and
streets, expressed as a percentage of those surfaces that is covered by
tree crowns. Measuring the amount of canopy cover that our trees provide
is important to managing and conserving the urban forest, which is
impacted and changed over the years by development. Study findings
assist urban forest managers with looking into the future to predict how
urban tree canopy will be further impacted by current practices in
development and growth.